S270E users.
by Darren Edwards
on
May 10, 2008 at 2:35:19 pm
We got our S270Es this week. First impression: Why do we now have
to spend additional money on an offset adapter so our matte
box will fit? That said True Lens Systems (TLS) in the
UK were great and said: if we need to build one, we'll build one.
Even though the servo IS ludicrously close to the lens, there's
no 720p, no overcranking (although the new 12 second 'super
slow motion' burst looks interesting) and the gamma/knee
GUI is as ineffectual as its Z1 predecessor, the freebie Zeiss
zoom does give a decent image. We've purchased 2/3" lens
adaptors but haven't fitted them yet.
Am interested to hear/discuss other people's experiences with
it.
I'm wondering why you bought it at all, if you find the gamma curves useless, expected overcrank in an ENG-destined camcorder (I wish it had this too, but knew it didn't when we bought), my RedRock Micro mattebox fits perfectly, and I can't imagine why you'd want 720p.
either way, seems a little research might have prevented you from purchasing this camera. For what it is, I find it an excellent cam. I love the CF recording module, love the overall feel of the cam, and it works great for what we're using it for; corporate video production. The only thing I feel it's lacking is a longer over/undercrank. IMO, the gamma controls (which are substantially different than the Z1) are terrific, and I've set a couple profiles for skintones (blows the Z1 outta the water) and xv color that I really like. I'm not a big fan of in-camera looks, however, so I don't do much with those, outside of gamma and skintones.
Douglas Spotted Eagle
VASST
Certified Sony Vegas Trainer
Aerial Camera/Instructor
Re: S270E users. by Darren Edwards on May 13, 2008 at 4:15:09 pm
We did purchase after a lot of research. 720p would have been
handy because we also have a JVC GYHD which is great at 720p
but doesn't go higher. My only gripe, really, is the Zeiss
lens. I think you'll find that most pro matteboxes aren't
going to fit with that silly zoom stuck in the way.
We christened the cameras over the weekend shooting
super league rugby, and they were great. It's auto-focus
and the quality of the flip-out viewfinder meant I could
use it like a studio cam.
Another reason for the purchase was because we managed to
shave quite a few 1000s off our overall cost by buying a
lot of gear. We've got a new set or ARRI lights arriving
in a few days; once they're here, we'll be testing out the
S270E in lit-for-film conditions.
